--- title: How to Use Assessments at the Program Level description: Learn how assessments function at the program level to track client progress, measure outcomes, and support HMIS and CoC reporting. --- [Skip to content](https://knowledge.cominghome.ai/en/knowledge-base/how-to-use-assessments-at-the-program-level#main-content) [![cominghome-logo-horizontal-dark](https://knowledge.cominghome.ai/hs-fs/hubfs/cominghome-logo-horizontal-dark.png?width=208&height=32&name=cominghome-logo-horizontal-dark.png)](https://knowledge.cominghome.ai/en/knowledge-base?hsLang=en) Open main navigation Close main navigation How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Coming Home Knowledge Base](https://knowledge.cominghome.ai/en/knowledge-base?hsLang=en) 2. [Clients](https://knowledge.cominghome.ai/en/knowledge-base/clients?hsLang=en) 3. [Program Enrollment](https://knowledge.cominghome.ai/en/knowledge-base/clients?hsLang=en#program-enrollment) # How to Use Assessments at the Program Level ## Understand how program-based assessments capture client progress and outcomes within the context of a specific program enrollment. ### What this feature does Assessments are designed to evaluate a client’s progress **within the context of a specific program enrollment**. Rather than existing independently, assessments are intrinsically linked to the services a client receives in a particular program. This ensures that all data reflects the client’s journey, outcomes, and impact in the correct service context. By capturing information at key stages: **Entry**, **During**, and **Exit** assessments provide a structured and longitudinal view of client progress over time. ### Why assessments are program-based Assessments only function **inside programs** because client outcomes are most meaningful when evaluated in relation to the services provided. Linking assessments to program enrollments allows organizations to: - **Track progress in context** – Outcomes are directly associated with the specific services a client receives. - **Preserve historical data** – Clients may participate in multiple programs, and each program maintains its own assessment history. - **Support accurate reporting** – Program-level data enables reliable outcome measurement for funders and stakeholders. - **Enable before-and-after comparisons** – Entry and Exit assessments provide measurable evidence of program impact. - **Improve service planning** – Ongoing (“During”) assessments help teams adjust interventions based on client needs. - **Ensure compliance** – Program-based assessments align with **HMIS** and **Continuum of Care (CoC)** requirements. ### Assessment stages within a program Each assessment corresponds to a specific moment in the client’s participation in a program: ![](https://knowledge.cominghome.ai/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Apr-14-2026-03-13-55-7741-PM.png?width=670&height=257&name=undefined-Apr-14-2026-03-13-55-7741-PM.png) These standardized stages create a **timeline of change**, allowing organizations to understand the effectiveness of their interventions. ### Key assessment domains Program-based assessments evaluate client well-being across three core domains: #### **1. Living Situation & Needs** Assesses housing stability and immediate service needs, including prior and current living situations, household context, and translation requirements. #### **2. Employment & Income** Evaluates economic stability through education status, employment, income sources, and access to non-cash benefits. #### **3. Health & Disabilities** Captures health coverage, experiences of domestic violence, and the presence of disabling conditions. Together, these domains provide a **holistic understanding** of a client’s circumstances and progress within a program. #### **Who can use this feature** - **Organization Administrators** – Can add, edit, archive, and view assessments. - **Team Members** – Can manage assessments for clients assigned to them. - **Interns / Volunteers** – Can manage assessments for assigned clients. - **Law Enforcement / Victim Advocates** – Do **not** have access to program-based assessments. ### Where assessments are located Assessments are accessed within the **Client Toolkit** and are tied to a **specific program enrollment**. Each program maintains its own set of assessments, ensuring that client progress is evaluated within the appropriate service context. ![](https://knowledge.cominghome.ai/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Apr-14-2026-03-15-17-4693-PM.png?width=162&height=301&name=undefined-Apr-14-2026-03-15-17-4693-PM.png) #### **The Program-Based Assessments Dashboard provides:** - **Program Context Header** – Displays the program name and dates. - **Assessment Timeline** – Lists Entry, During, and Exit assessments. - **Recorded By Information** – Identifies the staff member responsible for each assessment. - **Centralized View** – Enables teams to monitor progress and outcomes within the program.   ### Why this matters Using assessments at the program level allows organizations to: - Measure **program effectiveness** and client outcomes. - Demonstrate **impact to funders and stakeholders**. - Support **data-driven decision-making**. - Ensure **compliance with HMIS and CoC standards**. - Maintain **clear and contextual client histories**. - Enhance **service coordination and quality**. Without program-based assessments, it would be difficult to accurately attribute client outcomes to the services provided. ### Tips / Best Practices - **Conduct Entry assessments promptly** to establish an accurate baseline. - **Use During assessments** to monitor progress and adjust services as needed. - **Complete Exit assessments** to measure final outcomes and program impact. - **Ensure data accuracy and completeness** to support reliable reporting. - **Leverage assessment insights** for program evaluation and continuous improvement. #### **Related Articles** - [Overview of Assessments](https://knowledge.cominghome.ai/en/knowledge-base/overview-of-assessments?hsLang=en) - [How to Add an Assessment to a Client](https://knowledge.cominghome.ai/en/knowledge-base/how-to-add-an-assessment-to-a-client?hsLang=en) - [How to Edit or Update an Assessment](https://knowledge.cominghome.ai/en/knowledge-base/how-to-edit-or-update-an-assessment?hsLang=en) - [Overview of Programs](https://knowledge.cominghome.ai/en/knowledge-base/overview-of-programs?hsLang=en) --- ### Need more help? 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